Heritage Railway operating since 1878

In 1878, construction of the Port Augusta and Government Gums (now known as Farina, in the northern Flinders Ranges) Railway commenced.  The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles /1241 km) in 1929 establishing an important rail link to Central Australia.  The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way from 1923 to 1957, and on the northern part of this route until 1980.

You can enjoy a full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway.

Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by.  All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1974, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway.

We operate on selected dates from March to November each year.  Check our timetable, then book online or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245).

Lonely Planet named South Australia in the Top 10 regions to visit globally in 2017.

SA Weekender TV show features Pichi Richi Railway

Coming Soon: Ron Kandelaars and the Channel 7 SA Weekender team visit Quorn on Sunday 21 July at 5:30 PM in South Australia

Back Roads features Pichi Richi Railway and Flinders Ranges

Coming Soon: Back Roads - ABC TV's showcase of country Australia comes to the Flinders Ranges.

Lisa Millar and the crew visited Quorn last month and this episode goes to air on Monday 29 July or watch it later on ABC iview.

7 News Australia at Pichi Richi Railway

 A little-known piece of South Australian rail history is now available to us all, with Motor Inspection Car (MIC126) a feature of the Pichi Richi Railway collection.

https://www.facebook.com/7NewsAustralia/videos/1730491730430381/

August 2019 Michael Portillo's SBS series - PRR & Great Southern Rail

Cancel your Tuesday night plans this August - you've got a date with Michael Portillo!  

This renowned train enthusiast travelled on Pichi Richi Railway, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific and his 6-part series goes to air in August on SBS Australia

Stay tuned!

Special trains mark last SAR railway passenger services to Quorn, 50 years ago

On March 10, 2019 Pichi Richi Railway marked the end of rail passenger services to Quorn

Pichi Richi Railway captured an unsung event 50 years later, when on March 10 it ran two special trains to mark the end of South Australian Railways’ rail passenger services to Quorn.

Far back in late January 1969, SAR train driver, Len Brewster, entered a stifling hot Quorn station yard, completing the railcar’s 95 mile journey from Terowie – for the very last time.

Driver Brewster turned off the motor of his railcar, grabbed his kit-bag and climbed down from the cab, and so ended SAR’s rail passenger services to this small Flinders Ranges town.